Mike Domek has built TicketsNow.com, a Crystal Lake-based online ticket vendor, to $142 million in annual sales without outside investors. Mr. Domek expects sales to hit $250 million in 2006.

Hostway is another big winner – had $100 million in sales in 2005…. and growing. What about 37Signals… we know their story all too well. I think it is proof, that in our post broadband world, good ideas can not only survive but thrive anywhere on the planet. Net Vibes, and scores of other start-ups around the world should take note. The other night I met the Dooce crew and they have built a sizeable business in Salt Lake City, Utah. The reminded of my story, Escape From Silicon Valley.

More than ever, launching a business today is all about connections—starting with broadband connections. In the past 24 months, there’s been a quiet surge in the geographic spread of high-speed Internet networks, and that has dramatic implications for economic development, jobs, and entrepreneurial opportunities.